My Job Title: Educator
My School: Private, International, International Baccalaureate (IB)
This list is based on tools that address the ISTE Standard for Educators 2.5.b:
Design Authentic Learning Activities
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#1 Tinkercad Sim Lab
Grade 3 - 12
Science and ICT
Creation, Project-Based Learning
Some Training Required
How I Might Use It
In my grade three ICT class, I use Tinkercad and Sim Lab to dive into forces and friction with a fun "Crazy Domino Effect" project. The students follow the design thinking process, where they keep prototyping, testing, and refining their ideas to make them work better. They design 3D domino-like objects in Tinkercad, playing around with different sizes and shapes, then simulate how they'll fall and interact. They pick up skills like resizing objects, duplicating them, and even creating algorithms to automate movements, rotations, and angles. It's pretty awesome to watch them figure it out!
When we move to Sim Lab, it gets even cooler. They choose what their designs are made of, like rubber, ice, or plastic, and decide the type of ground they'll fall on. Oh, and they get to pick colors too, which they love! These choices make a huge difference in how much friction happens, and it's amazing to see them connect their decisions to what's actually happening in their simulation. This aligns with the ISTE Educator Standard 2.5.b "Design Authentic Learning Activities," as the whole process gets them thinking, problem-solving, and being creative. It's all about trial and error, and by the end, they really get how forces and friction work. It's hands-on, super engaging, and they're learning without even realizing it.
Connected to ISTE Standard for Students 1.4a Design Process
Connected to Transformational Learning Principles: Empower (Prioritize Authentic Experiences & Ignite Agency)
Demonstrates Evidence of EdTech Index Quality Indicators:
None
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#2 Storyboard That
Grade 2 - 12
All Subjects
Communication, Creation
No Training Required
How I Might Use It
In my ICT class, I use Storyboard That as a tool to develop students' storytelling skills while reinforcing essential elements like setting, characters, and speech bubbles. I also focus on teaching them the importance of consistency, ensuring the design of characters and the flow of the story stay connected across the different boards. The kids absolutely love it! I introduce it in grade two, where they practice their creativity while working on their typing skills to express themselves, which aligns with the ISTE Educator Standard 2.5.b "Design Authentic Learning Activities." We always connect it to one of our ongoing inquiries.
For example, right now, we're tying it to a recycling theme, but in the past, we've explored topics like digital citizenship and kindness. What's great is that they take what they've created in Storyboard That and use it for their final project with their homeroom teacher, connecting it directly to the inquiry they're working on. It's such a meaningful way to support their creativity and storytelling while also making cross-subject connections. Seeing their excitement and pride when they present their final projects is one of my favorite parts!
Connected to ISTE Standard for Students 1.6.b Original and Remixed Works
Connected to Transformational Learning Principles: Guide (Spark Curiosity) and Empower (Prioritize Authentic Experiences)
Demonstrates Evidence of EdTech Index Quality Indicators:
Safe, Evidence-Based
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#3 CodeSpark
Grade K - 5
Computer Science, Storytelling
Creation, Project-Based Learning
No Training Required
How I Might Use It
In my classroom, I use CodeSpark with kindergarteners to introduce algorithmic thinking in a fun and interactive way, which completely aligns with the ISTE Educator Standard 2.5.b "Design Authentic Learning Activities." We start with a set of levels that guide the students through completing sequences of instructions, helping them understand the basics of step-by-step problem-solving. Once they're comfortable, they move on to building their own games, using the tools on the platform to design, test, and refine their creations to make them more challenging. Later, we explore the story creation feature, where they choose settings and characters, and then program the characters to follow specific sequences of steps to bring the story to life. They even record voiceovers to narrate their animations!
While the story creation part can be a bit challenging for kindergarteners, they grasp the core concepts, and it lays a foundation for deeper learning in grade one, where they can further develop their skills. Using CodeSpark at this stage is such a great way to start building computational thinking skills, introducing the coding language, and fostering an understanding of sequential thinking. It's amazing to see how engaged and creative they become while learning these foundational concepts!
Connected to ISTE Standard for Students 1.5.d Algorithmic Thinking
Connected to Transformational Learning Principle: Empower (Prioritize Authentic Experiences)
Demonstrates Evidence of EdTech Index Quality Indicators:
None
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#4 CoSpaces EDU
Grade 3 - 8
All Subjects
Creation, Collaboration
Some Training Required
How I Might Use It
In my classroom, I use CoSpaces Edu with my students to foster collaboration and creativity. For example, in grade four, students work together online to create a virtual exhibition. They design a building with different rooms, and in each room, they display posters they've created based on their research into human body systems. Visitors can explore their virtual exhibition and interact with the content.
In grade three, we use CoSpaces to design unique civilizations as part of our inquiry into ancient civilizations. Students choose environments, structures, and characters, then bring their creations to life by adding animations and interactive elements. This tool not only helps them develop their creative and design-thinking skills but also encourages teamwork, as they share ideas and collaborate to build their virtual worlds. It's a fun, engaging way to blend technology and learning, while also supporting their inquiry-based projects.
Connected to ISTE Standard for Students 1.7.c Project Teams
Connected to Transformational Learning Principle: Nurture (Cultivate Belonging)
Demonstrates Evidence of EdTech Index Quality Indicators:
Safe
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This article is part of a program to help showcase the work of ISTE Certified Educators. Educators' views about each tool are their own and not verified or endorsed by ISTE+ASCD.
